April 29 - May 5, 2024

Iskigamizige-Giizis (Boiling Sap Moon)

The Bayfield School Board voted unanimously at its April 16 Special School Board Meeting to open an Ojibwemowin Immersion Kindergarten Classroom beginning Fall 2024, furthering language and cultural revitalization efforts between the Red Cliff Band and the Bayfield School District.

“Launching this Ojibwemowin Immersion Program at Bayfield School is a milestone in history and the next step in truly revitalizing our language, healing some of the trauma, and growing a healthy and thriving community,” said Red Cliff Chairwoman and Bayfield School Board President Nicole Boyd. “Reviving our language is key to the survival of our culture, and it feels so good to see our years of hard work and planning come to fruition. We want to thank everyone who has helped along the way.”

The decision to begin with a kindergarten immersion classroom is based on research and strong community support.

“Research shows that our youngest students are the best candidates for learning languages,” said Dr. Beth Manidoo Makwa Paap, Bayfield School District Administrator. “Children have the ability to cognitively absorb information in multiple languages that helps them develop into curious and skilled learners.”

The Tribe has been steadily implementing language and culture efforts in recent years, building upon previous efforts. In April 2020 the Red Cliff Tribal Council passed a resolution declaring Ojibwemowin as the official language of Gaa-Miskwaabikaang, followed by the Tribe’s Five-Year Language and Culture Comprehensive Plan being approved just one month later in May 2020.

In 2021, Red Cliff received a $900,000 grant from the Administration for Native Americans to create the 3-Year Ojibwemowin Teaching & Training Program in partnership with the School District, Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network (MIIN), and the Bad River Band. The goal of the program is to build fluent language teachers who could then teach Ojibwemowin as a career or job path. The Tribe is now onto its second cohort of six full-time language trainees funded by the Department of Education STEP and BIA Living Language grants totaling $3.4M.

“Immersion classrooms are proven to support academic and linguistic development, but they also foster students’ appreciation of Indigenous culture and values,” said Binesiikwe Edye Washington, Red Cliff Education Division Administrator, and founder of the Misaabekong Ojibwe Immersion Program in Duluth Public Schools. “Starting at such a young age is also proven to lead to overall higher academic achievement, advanced levels of language proficiency, and the strengthening of cultural identity.”

How Will Immersion Look at Red Cliff Early Childhood Center?

In Fall 2024 the Red Cliff Early Childhood Center (ECC) will launch an Ojibwemowin immersion program within the Waabooz Early Head Start Center Based classroom for up to eight infants ages 0-1. The ECC already embeds Ojibwemowin as part of its daily curriculum and family events, has had immersion student cohorts in previous years, and prioritizes within staff development goals. The Tribe is excited to have the resources and capacity to begin an immersion program again where our youngest learners will be taught and cared for by skilled teachers and Ojibwemowin speakers. Watch for further details on registration and information sessions very soon.

How Will Immersion Look at Bayfield School?

The Kindergarten Immersion program will provide an option for parents to enroll their children to receive all instruction in Ojibwemowin. All subjects and communication between students and teachers will be in Ojibwemowin.

The school district will be releasing information on child registration very soon and has posted vacancies for Immersion Teacher and Immersion Teachers’ Aide positions.

Ojibwemowin Opportunities for Community Members

Ongoing Ojibwemowin implementation includes programs open to all community members:

• Language Table every Tuesday from 11 AM – Noon at Wonderstate Coffee in Bayfield
• Language Table every Wednesday from 5:30-7:00 PM at the Cultural Grounds, 36750 Hwy 13
• Moccasin Game Night & Potluck every Thursday from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Cultural Grounds
• 10-Week Ojibwe Language Course every Wednesday 9:00-10:30 AM at Legendary Waters through June 5, 2024
• Sugarbush vocabulary resources and videos online at www.redcliff-nsn.gov/sugarbush
• Anishinaabemowin Gabeshiwin Language Camp scheduled for July 9-12, 2024 at Raspberry Campgrounds
• MIIN offers many great resources and information at www.miinojibwe.org

“The Gaa-Miskwaabikaang community has repeatedly expressed the desire and need for language and culture opportunities and revitalization to be a priority,” said Chairwoman Boyd. “The Tribal Council is dedicated to ensuring our programs continue to offer these opportunities for the community.”

Learn more about Ojibwemowin in Red Cliff online at www.redcliff-nsn.gov/ojibwemowin. You’ll find updates on language tables and makizin game nights, phrases of the week, and links to online resources for all ages. Aho! Bayfield School District Immersion Program updates can be found on the District’s website at www.bayfield.k12.wi.us

Join us this Monday April 29 at Legendary Waters to learn about the results of our 2023-2024 Tribal Census. The presentation is scheduled to begin at 5:15 PM.

Please contact Liz Boyd with any questions at 715-779-3744 ext 3518.

The Tribal Council Primary Election will take place this Friday May 3 at Legendary Waters. Polls will be open from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Free rides to and from the polls are available on Miskwaabekong Transit. Click the button below to view all election details.

Red Cliff Tribal Members will vote for Vice-Chair and Secretary candidates.

At-Large Candidate Reminder: If you are interested in running for an At-Large seat, please submit your intentions in writing to Secretary Nora Cadotte no later than June 17, 2024 by 6:00 PM - secretary@redcliff-nsn.gov or at the Tribal Administration building. At-Large candidates will be on the July 2 General Election ballot.

Join us this Wednesday May 1 at 10 AM by the former Isle Vista site (see map below) for a groundbreaking ceremony as we commemorate the first dig of the Red Cliff Fiber To Home Project.

The Fiber To Home Project is set to begin installing fiber optic cable in Gaa-Miskwaabikaang, which will bring qualifying broadband service and high-speed internet to all tribal homes, government programs, and businesses within Red Cliff tribal jurisdiction. This also includes tribal member households off the reservation in the neighboring Town of Russell and tribal member households within the Belanger Settlement.

Stay tuned for more details after the groundbreaking.

Evan Newago was recognized as an outstanding 8-10 Grade Student by the Wisconsin Indian Education Association (WIEA) at last week's Annual WIEA Conference. Howah!

As an 8th grader in the Bayfield School District, Evan is considered a positive role model in the Alternative Education class. Great job, Evan!

Join us at the Red Cliff Tribal Council Meeting on Monday May 6 to help us honor Evan. The recognition will take place at approximately 4:30 PM.

Gaa-Miskwaabikaang's Guyaushk (Jim Pete) was re-elected as the Wisconsin Indian Education Association (WIEA) President at the Annual WIEA Conference last week.

Guyaushk was elected at last year's conference but resigned due to personal and health issues and to concentrate on recovery and wellness. Despite leaving the position last year, Guyaushk was still active in WIEA issues, including helping with the planning of this year's conference.

"I feel honored, yet humbled, and I appreciate this opportunity to support WIEA in the world of Indian education. Chi-Miigwech!" said Guyaushk.

Kate Erickson was elected as Vice-President. Shannon Chapman was elected as Treasurer, and Chris Munson was elected as Secretary.

Guyaushk also serves as the Northwest Regional Representative along with Jared Blanche. Alternates include Andi Bonney, Danielle Carely, and Barb Lundgren.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Indian Education Association online at www.wiea.net.

Spring Cleanup Week is set for May 20-25, 2024. Click the button below to see all details and FAQ.

Join us on Monday May 20 for our Volunteer Roadside Cleanup! Volunteers can call the Environmental Office to sign up for an area or road section at 715-779-3650. The Environmental Office will provide bags and supplies.

The Red Cliff Indian Child Welfare Department will host Foster Parent Open House events every Wednesday throughout May from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM.

If you are a current foster parent, or if you are interested in learning more about how to become a foster parent, please join us at the ICW office located at 37250 Watertower Road in Gaa-Miskwaabikaang.

Merchant Property is available for community members to reserve and use the space for events and gatherings! Reservations are required.

Reservation forms can be picked up at the Tribal Administration Building, accessed by clicking the button below, or downloaded from the Tribe's website.

Please call 715-779-3700 with any questions.

Join us at 10 AM on Sunday May 5 at Legendary Waters as we continue to raise awareness for our missing and murdered indigenous relatives! See all details.

We'll have a welcoming prayer with light food along with a brief car decoration contest, followed by a walk. The group will then leave around 11 AM to take part in the MMIR event in Ashland.

Please call 715-779-3706 ext 5016 or email kathrine.bretting@redcliff-nsn.gov with any questions.

90 years ago this April, a census was taken of Red Cliff members. With the Indian Reorganization Act of that year and the 1935-36 Constitution, this census became one of the two base rolls for Red Cliff membership.

To commemorate this anniversary, the Enrollment Office is looking for a photograph of every Red Cliff tribal member around at that time. Eventually, we hope to add personal memories and stories, digitally archive the material, and make it all available to the public.

Click HERE to see the list of members or to submit photos and material online.

We need your help! There are two ways to share your family photos with the 1934 Project. Click the button below or bring material to the admin office during normal work hours. We can scan photos on the spot and return the originals to you. Email rcenrollment@redcliff-nsn.gov with any questions or feedback. Miigwech!

Thanks to Sarah Deragon for sharing the photo of your father Clarence  

“Bucko” Gordon (right) with his cousin Ronald Soper (left), after the Bayfield Flood. Also thanks to Paulette Carr for the photo of your great-grandaunt Sister Eustacia (born Elizabeth Deragon, below right). If you can identify the boys in the 1938 image from the Indian Sentinel magazine (below left), please let us know.

The Red Cliff Pow Wow Committee will be honoring a Gaa-Miskwaabikaang elder at this summer's 46th Annual Red Cliff Pow Wow! The Committee is accepting nominations.

Do you know an elder who deserves to be recognized for their work, personal achievements, and/or contributions to our community that help make Gaa-Miskwaabikaang a better place? The nominated elder should be aged 55+ and a Red Cliff Tribal Member

Send your nomination and elder information to the Pow Wow Committee by emailing RCPowWow@redcliff-nsn.gov or by calling 715-779-3700.

The Pow Wow Committee will select the elder at its Pow Wow meeting on May 3.

Red Cliff's Ginanda Gikendaasomin Library has released its May calendar! Library staff will host several new programs:

Green Cleaners: Make your own more environmentally friendly cleaning products! Thursday May 16 from 3:30-5:00 PM.

Open Jam: A musical jam session open to all. Bring a musical instrument and join in on the fun! Hosted by Anakwad Frank Montano. Saturday May 18 from 6:00-8:00 PM.

Small Business & Entrepreneurs Support Meeting: Open to all current and aspiring small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone who is curious about self-employment. Wednesday May 29 from 4:30-6:00 PM.

Click the button below to see all Library events and hours for May.

The Red Cliff Legal Department has proposed changes to the Red Cliff Code of Laws Chapter 7 - Commercial Fishing. Click the button below to see the proposed changes.

Public comment is encouraged. Please drop your comments at the Tribal Administration Building or forward them directly to the Tribal Council. The proposed changes will be voted upon on June 3, 2024 at the Tribal Council meeting.

“Volunteers in Mission” Ministry Group is coming to Red Cliff June 16, 2024 and is now accepting work orders.

This program is not limited. The group offers free labor for a variety of projects. The service is extended community wide. Needs MAY be prioritized based on number of requests and circumstances such as, disabled, elderly, low-income, and capabilities of the work group.

If you are interested in getting some assistance at your home or perhaps on a community venture, please fill out this form. If you know of anyone that could make use of these services, please feel free to make a referral or assist the individual with this form.

Completed forms should be returned to the Tribal Administration Building front desk at 88455 Pike Road. The deadline to submit a work order request is June 11, 2024.

The Red Cliff Tribal Council is seeking community members to serve on various boards and committees. These entities provide a communication channel between elected officials and the community. Issues, ideas, and expertise are brought to the public decision-making process. You do not have to live in Red Cliff to serve on a board or committee!

The Red Cliff Behavioral Health Department has released its April newsletter. Click the button below to access! Remember: You are not alone! Looking for help or guidance? Give us a call at 715-779-3741.

The Aging & Disability Resource Center of the North has released its Spring newsletter! Find information on dementia care specialists, hearing aid scams, healthy foods, farmers market vouchers, and more! Click the button to access.

Aaniin Early Childhood Center families! In case you missed it, don't forget to check out this month's ECC Newsletter for your classroom updates.

The Housing Board of Commissioners is accepting applications to fill two vacant seats.

The HBOC meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 5:00 PM. If you are interested in serving on the HBOC, pick up an application at the Tribal Administration Building or apply online.

Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority is accepting applications for housing and housing assistance!

RCCHA provides clean, safe, adequate, and affordable housing for qualified families and elders.

Housing options to apply for include low rent, 6-plex, 4-plex, Elderly, Tax Credit, Tax Credit Rehab.

Oski-Ombendaam New Hope Supportive Housing

The Oski-Ombendaam New Hope housing contains efficiency, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units. The goal of New Hope housing is to provide supportive services to those individuals and families while providing clean, safe, adequate, and affordable housing.

You are also able to apply for Home Repair Assistance and Down Payment Assistance.

Click HERE to access an application.

Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority tenants have access to a Residential Resource Coordinator. The coordinator will help tenants get connected with various resources.

This service is available to Housing tenants Monday through Friday at New Hope Building A, at 37580 Pageant Road.

Please call 715-779-3744 extension 3514 with any questions.

The annual Native American Tourism of Wisconsin (NATOW) Conference will be held at Legendary Waters June 13-15, 2024. NATOW works with the eleven federally recognized Wisconsin tribes to establish and maintain eco-friendly tourism initiatives throughout the state.

Click the image below to view all conference details, including a registration form, lodging information, vendor information, golf tournament, Business Pitch Competition, and sponsorship opportunities. Aho!

Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission is accepting applications for several positions.

View all details and GLIFWC jobs at https://glifwc.org/